Bullfighting

Are you planning a holiday trip to Valencia and would you like to experience bullfighting in Spain? In Valencia there are several possibilities throughout the whole year to experience a bullfighting spectacle. You can go to a bullfight during Fallas, the celebration of the “Virgen de los Desamparados”, (or virgin for the people in need) and during the July festival.

Did you know that the first bullfights were already held in Rome and Greece? But Approxamaly in 1726 the first fight was held in Spain. These fights follow a strict set of rules and several phases in the fight can be distinguished. The matador, the one that will kill the bull in the end, is being helped during the fight by several assistants: Banderilleros will place the darts into the bulls neck, Mozo de espadas are the ones that will hand swords and capes to the matador and Picadors are riding on a horse to agitate the bulls an make them attack. The bulls that are being used for the fights are a special breed know for its aggressiveness and strength and can weigh uptil 460 kilos!

The last years the discussions around bullfighting are more present. It’s an old tradition and part of the Spanish culture some say. Others think it is animal cruelty and are against using animals for human entertainment.

¡IDEA! If you would like to get to know the city Valencia according to your interests and wishes, than we can definitely recommend a private tour with an enthusiastic official English speaking guide. For more information you can have a look at Private guided tour.

Fallas

Are you going to Valencia in March during Fallas and would you like to see a bullfighting spectacle? Every day in the final week of Fallas you can go to bullfighting spectacles in the Plaza de Toros of Valencia.

Virgen de los Desamparados

The Virgen de los Desamparados, or the virgin of the people that need help, is the patron saint of the city Valencia. The celebration in honour of this patron saint takes place every second Sunday of May. The celebration takes place around the beautiful square ‘Plaza de la Virgen‘. There will be bullfighting’s every second Saturday and Sunday of May.

Time

The majority of the bullfighting’s take place at five o’clock in the afternoon, but there are some bullfighting spectacles which take place at 11.30 o’clock in the morning. These times are flexible and might be different on the day that you would like to visit a fight. Always take a look at the website of Plaza de Toros for the actual times or pay a visit at the Plaza itself.

Price

Prices vary enormously: from 11 euros – 140 euros. The price of the tickets depends on whether you choose for a seat in the sun or in the shade. If you choose for a spot in the shade you will normally have to pay a higher price. This is because it can be quite warm sitting in the sun for longer time and at these moments the shade is definitely more comfortable. This is especially the case during the Feria de Julio in July. Another factor that determines the price is the distance from the spectacle: if you prefer to sit first row, you will pay a higher price.

Points of sale

There are various possibilities to obtain tickets for a bullfighting spectacle in the Plaza de Toros in Valencia. If you prefer to book your ticket online, you can have a look at the following websites:

You can also buy tickets at the selling points of the Plaza the Toros (bullfighting square) in Valencia, starting the week before the bullfighting from 10.00 – 14.00 hours and from 17.00 – 20.00 hours. On holidays the cash registers are open during the whole day, from 10.00 o’clock.

Tips:

– Not everybody is a big fan of bullfights. Do you still want to see bulls and experience the Spanish culture? There are also acrobatic acts involving bulls: at the Plaza de Toros these acts are being held and no bulls are harmed. They have a more festive feeling, including music.
– Do you want to see other sights beside the bullring? By bike you can see a lot of the city! Check this page for more information about renting a bike.